Thursday, May 26, 2011

Up close & Personal with Author - Laura Watts


Where do you call home?

I live in England

What is your book about?

My first book is about what it’s really like to travel in a foreign country. I had a working holiday visa to travel Australia for a year, and I also spent two months travelling New Zealand , although I couldn’t work there. My book is a memoir as supposed to a travel book, because I am too open and honest for it to be classed as travel. It’s a real candid book, dealing with emotion as well.

If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

They would probably would agree with me that travelling isn’t always like what other people think it will be like. It’s not always about lying on sunny beaches drinking cocktails, or dining out in fabulous restaurants every night. Travelling can be quite tough sometimes. I ended up sharing my sleeping space with people who had only just come out of prison, or a psychiatric hospital, several times. I even met someone who developed an unhealthy interest in me, and asked me to be the mother of his children, even though he never knew my name! On the other hand, I really do not regret going to any of the places I have been to because I really have had some fantastic times, and met some lovely people, despite the madness!

Do you have plans for a new book?

I am already writing my next book about travelling in Canada on the same type of visa. I suppose you could say it’s like a sequel to my first book. Again this is a memoir, not a travel book. In my books I disclose everything! I want my books to read like you’re just catching up with an old friend, having coffee with them, listening to all their juicy adventures!

What inspired you to write your book?

I kept a detailed diary while travelling, and I thought it would be a nice idea to share some experiences that I went through. After all, I still had my diary and it seemed like a shame to waste the material.

Would you like to be contacted by readers to do book reviews?

I am going to be honest here and say yes, in theory, I would love to be contacted. However, all books are subjective, and if they hated my book then I wouldn’t want a review from them if they were going to slate it. I’m not saying I think everyone will hate my book because I think it’s a very good book. It’s been professionally edited as well, so it isn’t full of typo’s and other mistakes. It’s very high quality with very high standards. I want to be a professional writer, not some amateur who has given it a half hearted attempt.

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

I came up with my title: Secret Confessions of a Backpacker: My Adventure Down Under — because I think it has an element of mystery to it. And that’s right, my book isn’t what it seems.

Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?

As I’m currently writing a memoir, the answer would have to be most definitely.

What books have most influenced your writing most and why?

I liked the Belle de Jour books about a woman who worked as a London escort, because her books were funny and frank. I think in some parts of my book, my humour is similar to hers.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

That would have to be the author behind Belle de Jour: Dr. Brooke Magnanti.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcovers?

I’m going to say that even though I write ebooks, I prefer paperbacks! I find reading things online gives me eye strain. I know you don’t always have to read ebooks online, but I prefer real paper.

Have you ever read a book more than once?

Yes, the Belle de Jour books.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

No, can’t think of any.

What book are you currently reading?

Janet Evanovich - Lean Mean 13

What book do you know that you will never read?

I can’t think of any.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and why?

I’m about to start reading a new author of 2010. Her book is called: Sister. It sounds like a really good story.

Is there anything you would change in your last book and why?

I would love to reveal the identity of some people and expose them for who they really are. Unfortunately, I can’t because I don’t want them to sue me! So I have changed every single detail about them.

Who designed the cover of your book?

An American ecover designer business. I highly recommend them!

Do you have a book trailer?

I do on You Tube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyFX-3eN_Vk



Do you have any advice for other writers?

Try not to focus too much on your sales because even if your current book isn’t selling well, you’re next book might. If you try to write for money, do some research on what genres are popular. Write for your reader, always keep them in mind. Don’t ever write for yourself because you’re likely to start waffling. I always think — will the reader find this interesting, or are they going to be bored to tears! Above all, enjoy your work. If you don’t enjoy it, then what’s the point?

Where can your readers follow you?

L.K. Watts: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lkwatts

To purchase book: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54060

Blog: http://lkwattsconfessions.blogspot.com

My Goodreads author page:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4842849.L_K_Watts

Twitter:@WattsLK


Readers review:

A Brilliant Book, 28 May 2011
By Garry Wilson - This review is from: Secret Confessions of a Backpacker: My Adventure Down Under. (Kindle Edition)
This book is absoultely brilliant! It gripped me from the very first sentence, and held me there throughout. I love Laura's style of writing, and her story telling is hilarious. The bits I loved the best were Laura's adventures in New Zealand and her antics in the Outback. Her lifesytle in Melbourne also had me intrigued. Definitely worth a read!

Image of "L.K. Watts"


Biography

L.K. Watts has travelled more than half the world. In her first book - Secret Confessions of a Backpacker: My Adventure Down Under - she reveals what being a backpacker is REALLY like. With more twists than a corkscrew, this book won't be what you expect.

This biography was provided by the author or their representative.

Follow this blog to keep up with Authors updates.

Patti Roberts - Supporting New Authors.

Thank you for dropping by, please leave a comment and say Hi.


Paradox - The Angels Are Here.

Book trailer Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IovcxyZTFuU

facebook - http://tinyurl.com/3woe84l

twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/PattiRoberts7

blog - http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/

2 comments:

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...